2017 Clos Lentiscus, Brut Nature Rosé N41, Catalonia, Spain

Producer: Manel Avino, also known as the Bubble Man, works with his daughter Nuria, growing local varieties, making exciting sparkling wines. He had been working at Bodega Nadal for years, then returned to his family estate after his father passed away in 2001. The family estate Can Ramon, was founded in the 14th century & would sell their grapes commercially. They farm 22 hectares of vines in a national park, 4 miles from the mediterranean coast, working naturally in the cellar, no additives, only honey from his bees & harvested ambient yeast from the tanks to kickstart 2nd fermentation in their sparkling wines.

Place: Clos lentiscus is located in the town of Sant Pere de Ribes between the massive Montserrat mountain & the Mediterranean, the vineyards are located in the protected area ‘Parque Naturel del Garraf’ in Catalonia, northeastern coast of Spain.

Farming: Organic, biodynamic practices, following the moon cycles.

Varietal: Samso, the local name for Carignan.

Soil: Calcareous, sandy soil, marine fossils.

Winemaking: A sparkling rose made in the traditional method; hand harvested, less than 3 hours of skin maceration, 1st & 2nd fermentation with native yeast ‘Pie de cuba’ made from frozen must for the 2nd. Continues to age for 36 months in bottle with its fine lees, disgorged, no SO2, bottled Brut Nature, no dosage.

Tasting Notes: Crunchy wild Strawberry – Tangy Rhubarb – Blood Orange – Mediterranean Herbs – Dry Minerals